What is Colic in Babies?

There is a lot of information and opinions around colic, so let’s jump in and discuss it.

What is Colic in Babies?

Colic is unexplainable crying or fussing that occurs regularly, commonly in the afternoon or night, and generally lasts for several hours. Colic is essentially the term used to describe when your baby has gas or a tummy ache. Colic tends to appear between 2 and 16 weeks of age. It can feel very stressful for new parents, as cuddling and soothing often won’t ease their baby’s discomfort. New parents often describe feeling overwhelmed, confused, and talk about receiving conflicting advice.

Signs & Symptoms of Colic in Babies

Babies with colic often appear quite happy until late afternoon or evening. Every baby displays different signs of colic, but generally, some symptoms can include:

• Frowning or grimacing

• Loud and long crying

• Tummy rumbling sounds

• Squirming and red in the face.

• Your baby may even appear to be pulling their legs up as a sign of tummy pains and cannot be consoled.

Why does Colic occur?

The exact cause of colic in babies is unknown, which can be very frustrating for new parents. Colic can affect 1 in 5 babies and can stop without treatment after a few weeks.

For common reasons as to why your baby may be crying, we provide a list of typical cues associated with hunger and tiredness in babies.

What are the potential causes of Colic?

Although there is no known cause of colic, health professionals will often suggest a few potential contributing factors towards colic, which include:

• Excessive tiredness or overstimulation

• Allergy or intolerance to formula if formula feeding (soy, cows, or goat’s milk)

• If breastfeeding, certain foods in your diet could potentially cause colic-like symptoms. Caffeine and nicotine have also been linked to irritability in babies.

• Your baby may be full and have unfamiliar sensations of gas or fullness in their tummy which they can interpret as pain and therefore display colic symptoms.

• An immature gut and trying to adjust to life in the outside world can also be a potential cause of colic.

• Some research suggests the use of probiotics for the mum, if breastfeeding, may assist in reducing colic. You can chat with your healthcare provider about this option.

• Babies feeding should be assessed at the breast or bottle - as it could be that your baby is taking in excessive air.

Who should you see for support if you think your baby has Colic?

It’s important to have a medical professional such as a paediatrician assess your baby if you have concerns. They will rule out any other causes of the crying, such as reflux (a condition where stomach acid moves up out of the stomach and into the oesophagus), infection, nappy rash, eczema, or allergies that could be irritating.

Your doctor should also advise on things you can do to help your baby. A child health nurse can also be an excellent support for parents, as they can also provide other recommendations to help your baby.

Is there treatment for Colic?

There isn’t one single treatment that will necessarily resolve colic symptoms – it will pass in the coming weeks as your baby grows and develops. However, your paediatrician may be able to recommend some medication or natural remedies, settling techniques, helpful strategies, and or probiotics to assist.

How to help your baby with Colic?

There are multiple ways you can try to relieve your baby’s colic, although all babies respond to different actions, so there will be some trial and error until you find what works for your baby. Some ways to help could include:

• During crying episodes, try to reduce stimulation. You can

  swaddle

  , babywear, or put baby in the pram during this time. Holding your baby close can also help to keep them calm.

• Try soothing techniques before your baby becomes too worked up, such as skin to skin, a warm

  bath

  , or a baby massage.

• Things, like swaddling and rocking baby and using a

  comforter such as a soft toy

  or dummy, can help reassure and calm them. Babies often find movement to be soothing.

• For other alternatives to help your baby, talk to your doctor or healthcare professional.

Remember, it’s important to look after yourself too. As new parents, we know that excessive crying in babies is associated with a higher risk of postpartum depression. Chat to your partner about your worries or concerns, as well as other parents, friends, or family. Remember, you didn’t cause the colic, so don’t feel guilty.

You may feel overwhelmed at times if your baby is crying regularly, so if you are feeling stressed or anxious, ask someone else to step in, so you can take some time to yourself. Read a book, meditate, or go for a short walk. If you feel that you need to speak with a professional, Beyond Blue and PANDA are available to help support you. It’s important to also remember - you are doing an amazing job. Colic is tough and is not a reflection of your ability to parent.

Written by midwife Aliza Carr at Bumpnbub.